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Family holiday could lead to Jail for parents

A wonderful family holiday in Greek Island, Rhodes could end up parents of three in three months of Jail. Stewart and Natasha Sutherland who are married and both are working planned a must have family break for seven days. Three kids Keane, 6; Sian, 13; and Rhiannan, 15 went with their parents by not going to school. However, under the new controversial laws, the parents were initially fined with £360 and now that has rose to £2000.

The case is pending at court and decision will be made soon. The school officials have informed that Email was sent to the parents as a warning of fines. However, Mr. Sutherland who works in Defense said that, when he informed about the holiday, officials have said that the fine imposed will be quashed and he booked ticket. But then he received the email. He also claimed that unlike other parents who lie that their child is sick or ill, he remained upfront and honest. A frustrated father, Mr. Sutherland said that it is about principle rather than money.

School officials have defended themselves under the shield of new law which says every parent has to send their kids to school on regular basis. If any kids remain absent other than emergency conditions parents will be fined and could face imprisonment. School authority has cleared that as they have deprived the children six days of education so they should be fined. It is noted that the new law has also quashed the earlier allotment of ten days family holiday grant to the student.

The rules could attract three months of prison for the parents. However, Stewart and Natasha are hopeful about positive outcome from the court. They believe that they have done nothing wrong as the family holiday was much needed along with education and they could not have adjusted it other time.